Gigi's Blog bio picture
  • Welcome to the Gigi Blog!

    Mother to six Little Women and Two Little Men. Married to a Happy Mortician. Caretaker to goats, chickens and many, MANY bunnies. Photographer. Homeschooler.Β Lover of Jesus, coffee & tea and all things pink & vintage.

Kindness – sunshine for the soul.

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
~James Matthew Barrie

Kindness.

It’s definitely a character trait that society lacks, it seems … but step into Rebecca’s life and your hope in humanity would be quickly revived. Her heart is bursting with love and it shows right down to her family life! Several times, Rebecca has blessed my family with kindness … THANK YOU, Rebecca!! You are a true sweetheart!

[Rebecca’s session took place just before Lovelyn was born so as you can see, I’m still catching up. ;)]


And another note – time to pick the winner of the Sassy Sweet Pea giveaway! [the cutest hair accessories ever!] A big THANK YOU to Keri, the owner of Sassy Sweet Pea, for offering up such a great giveaway prize here on the blog. πŸ™‚ You can see all the lovely products here on facebook …
Using random.org, …… the winning commenter is ……

#76 – Tracy R

Congratulations, Tracy!!! E-mail me (gillian@gigiphotography.com) and I’ll hook you up with your winning gift certificate!!! You will love the sweet bows and hair accessories!

October 29, 2010 - 2:53 pm

Cathy Bray Great Pictures!!! Lovely Family

October 28, 2010 - 10:15 pm

Tabitha Awwww, such a lovely family!!! Gorgeous shots Gillian!

October 28, 2010 - 8:57 am

Devon I so love these!! I also especially love the photo of you and Adam, you guys are TOO cute!!!

October 28, 2010 - 8:55 am

adrienne We love these pictures – you have truly captured the JOY found in this family xoxo love the location!

October 28, 2010 - 8:17 am

Lori Love the pics! Extra cute family πŸ™‚

October 27, 2010 - 10:34 pm

Keri Gorgeous!!!! Rebecca you have such a beautiful family πŸ™‚ Congratulations Tracy!!

October 27, 2010 - 10:03 pm

Rebecca McLaren Oh my goodness you are too sweet!!!I’m so happy!!! You captured our family great!! Thanks again.

October 27, 2010 - 9:56 pm

Courtenay Rebecca you have a gorgeous family!! I especially love the shot of you and Adam

October 27, 2010 - 9:56 pm

Christine Taylor I love seeing your family pics Rebecca, I love the coordinating outfits for everyone!! Great work:)

October 27, 2010 - 9:42 pm

Samantha Fizzard Love the pictures beckie! your family is soo beautiful! i cant believe how big maddy is getting!!! Gillian your work is always amazing!

Our Pink World.

**Just a quick note for clients: if you are curious about the status of your orders, Heather, my beautiful friend and helper who also JUST had a baby herself (she’s amazing!), has been working diligently getting all the orders placed over the past two weeks and we will be packaging up and mailing out orders shortly … we are working our little bums off over here to ensure you get everything in due time! Thank you for your patience! Please anticipate a bit ofΒ  delay as having a baby, labour, sleepless nights, nursing, four little kids, etc. does take a lot of my energy right now … πŸ˜‰ …but we have NOT forgotten about you …!

Because of how lovely and precious and AMAZING this time is with a newborn in the house again, I will not be booking any sessions until after Christmas. I LOVE taking December off with my family and enjoying the Christmas season- and that is one of the amazing benefits of this job. I feel so blessed to be able to focus on my kids and my family during the holiday season – there’s nothing like it! The years and days go by so quickly – I just want to cherish all those moments!!

I will post a notice when I’m able to book sessions again – πŸ™‚Β  Thank you for your patience!!*

I’m sitting here in my kitchen, listening to the quiet of the house. the only noise I can hear is the sound of the kitchen clock ticking away, the humming of the fridge and the gentle sweet squeaks from Lovelyn, who is snuggled up against my chest in a wrap. (I love baby wearing!) Abby has taken the other three girls to piano lessons and I have 1/2 an hour of this peaceful quiet.
Life has been amazingly FULL and blessed over the past two weeks. Amazingly busy but lovely. Things are starting to settle down now and we’re getting back into a regular routine of homeschooling, piano lessons, and life in general. I’m slowly becoming a bit more tired each day πŸ™‚ but am also remembering how *short* this time is in the newborn stage and honestly do not wish it away in exchange for more restful nights and energetic days.
Since Lovelyn was born, I’ve been thinking a lot about parenting … about mothering. About what it means to raise our little kids. To nurture and direct these amazing little lives. I’m doing a study with a great group fo ladies right now on the Power of Motherhood. One thing we discussed at our last get-together was how our children are little mirrors of ourselves. So if there is something you want changed in your kids, you better change it first in you!
I don’t know about you, but one thing I need to change the most is patience. Especially now as I am entering the newborn-tired-exhausted-but-must-keep-on-foggy-phase. All you moms out there know what I’m talking about, right? [Please tell me you do.]

I ask my girls to be patient with each other all the time. I ask them to share. I tell them they need to wait their turns and not speak mean words and to love each other.

And I too need to work on my own life in similar areas. How it never struck me before that our children mimic our own lives is beyond me … what a simple truth! Hyper parents have energetic kids. Calm, reserved parents usually have calm kids. Artistic parents often produce children who love to paint and dance and create.
Likewise, the negative characteristics of our personalities are reflected in our children.

Want to know what you need to work on? Study your own child and you’ll soon find out!


“Don’t worry that children never listen to you;
worry that they are always watching you.”

~Robert Fulghum

I managed to get the girls ready for a brief photo session in the studio yesterday. They were great listeners (yay!) and are definitely pros at holding their little sister. [This is something I have to watch as my 4 year old has shown me she certainly knows how to take Lovelyn out of the car seat and carry her across the room to the swing. I nearly died!]

This is my Christmas present, friends. Seriously. I am getting this on canvas and will treasure it FOR-EVER. and EVER. and EVER…

Lovelyn is two weeks old today!!!! I love that she has been in our life for two weeks (well, really, 10 months!) and we KNOW our family would not be complete without her.

She’s still an itty bitty 4 lbs 9 oz – she’s a pleasure to hold – like holding a little toy doll in your arms ….

tired after her photo shoot with her sisters ….


P.S. I am thinking of painting the studio pink – what do you think? Is that too much? Think shabby chic. πŸ˜‰


October 27, 2010 - 9:28 am

Nancy Love reading your blog!! Love, love your photos!!! Just stunning!! Your girls are absolutely beautiful and precious! Congratulations!! Lovelyn is so cute, makes me want another baby..but our family is complete!

October 27, 2010 - 1:19 am

Tabitha OMG what a precious image!!! And yes – we all know that tired as heck, foggy sleep deprived phase! And it’s amazing what are slightly older children can do! Lach also scooped Eachann out his car seat and was carrying/dragging him around the house, LOL. He’s not broken yet πŸ˜‰

October 26, 2010 - 11:19 pm

Mich I like your Gramma’s comment G, I too, have run out of words for your pics. I am in awe of the all L’s pic. It is just beyond beautiful and you SO DESERVE to give yourself and your home a canvas of that for Christmas. What a wonderful pic to treasure forever. I could not agree more that our children really are little shadows of us Mama’s walking around. I am definitely trying to look at myself more often.

October 26, 2010 - 10:26 pm

Nancy I absolutely adore the pictures and your updates. The picture of the 4 L’s is stunning and may you have many more blessings and memories to cherish with your entire family. Thank you for the update regarding orders….excited and anxious to know that part of Christmas shopping has been completed.
I have a little something for all your girls and will deliver when the order is ready for pick up.
All the best to you and your family…and thank you for being you!!
<3

October 26, 2010 - 7:09 pm

Grandma Gerr I have run out of words to complement your pictures!
They are so amazing!! xx

October 26, 2010 - 3:55 pm

Brenda (Gillian’s Mom) OH MY GOODNESS!! These are the sweetest pictures!! I never think they could get sweeter but they do!!! GILLIAN, I WANT A CANVAS OF THE TOP ONE – for Christmas!! Pretty please ,….. πŸ˜‰ That can be dad & I’s gift, ok? πŸ˜€
And yes, you are so right …. it works for every relationship too …. change ourselves first and we will see the other person change! xo

October 26, 2010 - 3:06 pm

Samantha Fizzard These photos are beautiful! Love the one of all four L’s! They are all such gorgeous girls! Abby sure is going to have his hands full!!

October 26, 2010 - 3:00 pm

Petra Oh YAY! I get to be the first to comment!
A brilliant Christmas present – self-gifting is SO 2010!
And 4lb 9…? How are you finding onesies to fit the luscious Lovelyn?! Hope you’re well.

October 26, 2010 - 2:53 pm

krista beautiful world of PINK!!!!! love it! you can go on my pics on facebook to see how much I love pink! I “die” to have pink around so i put it on me! lol

October 26, 2010 - 2:35 pm

Lori I have sworn up and down for many years that I am done having children – well Gillian, you did it!! I am reconsidering. Love the pics. You truly are blessed πŸ™‚

October 26, 2010 - 2:23 pm

Lori Love, love the sisterly love shot!! Brought tears to my eyes!
Absolutly beautiful and is a great present to yourself for your home!
Happy Birthday dear lovelyn!!!

October 26, 2010 - 2:08 pm

Justyna what a gorgeous family. πŸ™‚ so true about modeling good behaviour, that’s always a good reminder.

October 26, 2010 - 2:07 pm

Sherri Pink & creme? Very soothing. Love your picture with all your girls. They sure love their littlest sister. Wonderful memories for you too! <3

October 26, 2010 - 2:00 pm

Erin What a beautiful picture of all your girls. It is truly priceless!! I am reading “The 5 Love Languages of your children” and it is amazing! Just a suggestion for your women’s group. It has really opened my eyes on my parenting!!

October 26, 2010 - 1:59 pm

Jen go for it – painting the office, I mean… I just painted my purple and I LOVE it!!! πŸ™‚ Your pics brighten my day Gillian!

October 26, 2010 - 1:42 pm

Tammy The picture of your four girls is one of the most angelic pictures that I have ever seen. I agree with you about taking the christmas season off. This is one of the most magical times of the year and children make the season much more special.

October 26, 2010 - 1:35 pm

Lori G Oooo I just adore that photo of all your wee ones together! You are a very lucky mom indeed!! I can only hope with all of my heart & soul to have a child of my own someday & to know what being a *mommy* is all about…..
BTW…I like that bit on children are little mirrors of ourselves….it is so very true!!!
πŸ™‚

October 26, 2010 - 1:29 pm

Beate Gillian, this is just precious! I have been following your blog for over a year and it is such a beautiful place. I love your images and when you share about your family and how candid you are. You are such an inspiration. Congratulations on little Lovelyn.

October 26, 2010 - 1:28 pm

Brittany Your family is so beautiful!!! I am much too young to begin a family of my own but I have followed your work for about a year now and I hope I have many of the qualities you have as a mother. I just know all of your girls will grow up to be beautiful women (not just on the outside) πŸ™‚ Congrats on your new bundle of joy.

October 26, 2010 - 1:17 pm

Tara C I completely agree about the comment ‘Children are little mirrors of ourselves’. With life being SO hectic lately (and it’s only going to get more crazy..just in a different way) I’ve had quite a few Mommy fail moments and then cried and had to apologize to my children for my behaviour. I want my children to listen to me…but do I take the time to listen to them?? Thank you for this reminder. Something I really needed this week. I still can’t get over how tiny your little Lovelyn is – SO precious!! That picture of your 4 girls as a canvas is going to be absolutely gorgeous! Enjoy the newborn stage and this time off with your girls. Life really does fly by.

October 26, 2010 - 1:14 pm

Stacey Janzen I absolutely love following you on facebook and blog <3 You and your family are so amazing… By the way- loooooooove PINK… So you have my vote ; )

Hands & Hearts are Full.

A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer,
bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier,
the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.

Author Unknown

“Is this your first baby?” many people have asked me over the past week as Lovelyn and me have attempted many trips alone to see the doctor, run errands, etc.

“No, she’s my fourth …” I answer and smile.

“Four?! My, you must be busy! You have your hands full!!”

And as my sweet friend would say – “My hands are full … but not as full as my heart.”


… little sweet Lovie … how we adore you!

[A big thank you to my friend, Heather Rivlin, for sharing her newborn posing wisdom! ;)]

I’m itching to do a shot of the four girlies together, but there have been a lot of things happening lately (dr’s appointments, weigh ins for Miss Lovelyn, etc.) and I just keep hoping the next day will be a bit quieter … maybe Monday I can manage it. πŸ™‚

Oh, and where is Lovelyn’s name from, many of you have asked ….I have even googled it and there is no meaning for her name, no story or history to the name … except this …
Lovelyn is named after a beautiful woman I have had the pleasure of getting to know but have never met in person.

The friend mentioned at the beginning of the blog post is in fact the same person who inspired me with her name.Β  I ‘met’ Lovelyn about four years ago online – we read each other’s blogs and shared the odd e-mail. When her story expanded to include adoption from Africa, I knew why God has our paths meet! I e-mailed her and told her of my passion for orphans and that my heart aches for those children I met in African and the Dominican Republic while on missions trips. My heart is so there – orphans, adoption, overseas … and it’s something I want to pursue for our family … in God’s timing … but yes, I fell in love with her name and more so, the person behind that name. She is an amazing woman who cares for others a million times more than the average person. Her testimony is strong. And her life story is beautiful.

Please, go read her blog and be blessed. Her family’s story is amazing and refreshing … you will be inspired.

October 28, 2010 - 12:07 am

janet pereira Oh Gillian your daughter is soooooooo gorgeous as are your other children. You are sooooo blessed. Just looking at these pictures makes me want to reach in and squish her. Enjoy your time off of work and cherish EVERY moment, they go by way to fast especially with the fourth. I can’t believe how tiny she is like a little doll.

October 25, 2010 - 2:00 pm

Jenn Gillian – those are amazing photos. The one of Lovelyn… has got to be the most adorable photo I have ever seen of a newborn! She just looks so perfect!

October 24, 2010 - 10:02 pm

Monique Just beautiful….

October 24, 2010 - 9:16 pm

Tara C All such incredible pictures! and I LOOOOVE the last one with her posed. too cute! πŸ™‚

October 23, 2010 - 10:42 am

Mich Gillian, WOW the pics are so breathtaking…..I love them all! Little wee Lovelyn propped up on her hands is so precious πŸ™‚ Lovelyn and her story has so touched my heart for a long time now. She is truly inspiring. God continues to show His plan in the most amazing ways. xo

October 23, 2010 - 8:40 am

Grandma Gerr Absolutely marvellous pictures!!!

October 23, 2010 - 8:19 am

Jen oh my gosh – she’s so cute I can hardly stand it!!!

October 23, 2010 - 7:48 am

Brenda (Gillian’s Mom) Wow! Gillian …. I had to get the tissues for this blog!! What a beautiful legacy for Lovelyn to be named after such a wonderful woman!! It so touched my heart!!! God is so amazing, how He can intertwine our lives with people that we only know through the “spirit”. <3 And yes, the pictures are so mushy and gushy! I "love" them!! xo

October 23, 2010 - 2:44 am

love i love her so! thank you for your kind words. i’m honored that there is another little lovelyn now. i’m thankful for you & that God crossed our paths here….can’t wait until he does it in “real” life!

October 22, 2010 - 10:54 pm

Tabitha Teehee – I love it!! Gorgeous photos Gillian – such a happy loving family πŸ™‚

October 22, 2010 - 10:46 pm

Jo Smith Perfection….seriously, this doesn’t happen often…..I’m at a loss for words.
xo

October 22, 2010 - 10:30 pm

Holly Still cant get over how much she resembles Lyla, but in her own beautiful way she is still unique and perfect…enjoy these early days when they are still so pose-able! lol

October 22, 2010 - 10:30 pm

Holly Still cant get over how much she resembles Lyla, but in her own beautiful way she is still unique and perfect…enjoy these early days when they are still so pose-able! lol

October 22, 2010 - 10:04 pm

Jenn Oh my goodness Gillian, she’s precious!

October 22, 2010 - 9:50 pm

Teresa She’s beautiful and you look AMAZING ! and that last pose is adorable!

October 22, 2010 - 9:48 pm

Heather Rivlin Beautiful Gillian! Who snapped?

You’re so very welcome for the posing tips! Love getting that shot, and so glad YOU have it πŸ™‚

October 22, 2010 - 9:32 pm

Charmaine Oh my goodness, first of all, I think you’re an amazing photographer; and second, your beautiful new daughter is amazing IN your amazing photos! You capture such greatness and I can’t wait to see the 4 girls together (soon enough)!

October 22, 2010 - 9:30 pm

monica love the pics …can’t read her blog

October 22, 2010 - 9:20 pm

Melissa The third picture brings a tear to my eye…. the love just radiates through the picture… Lovelyn is so precious

October 22, 2010 - 9:18 pm

Maria Your photos and blog are so sweet – thank you for sharing…….now don’t tempt me as we already have three children;-)

October 22, 2010 - 9:16 pm

Tracy Nevin Gillian you never stop amazing me!!

October 22, 2010 - 9:15 pm

Tracy Nevin Gillian you never stop amazing me!!!

October 22, 2010 - 9:15 pm

Jody beautiful!!
that last pose I have never been able to get!!

October 22, 2010 - 11:04 pm

Tweets that mention Hands & Hearts are Full. Β» Gigi Blog — Topsy.com […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Gillian, Heather Rivlin. Heather Rivlin said: Beautiful! RT @gigiphotography: http://bit.ly/9FVR6V – yes, my hands and heart ARE full!!! […]

A Week of {Love} …

{sigh}

We are having so much fun with our little wee Lovelyn in the house … she has been such a sweet, sweet addition to our family. Lacey looked at me the other day and said “Is this a dream, mommy? It feels like a dream….” My thoughts exactly, hunny.

And tonight, Lyla was holding Lovelyn after her bath, she was all snuggled up in her blankie and was nice & toasty warm … Lyla patted her baby sister’s head gently and said in her cute 4 year old voice, “I STILL can’t believe we have our OWN baby, momma…”

Me, too.

{Cute, adorable headband, compliments of my talented, gorgeous friend Keri Kitto of Sassy Sweet Pea!}

Today, we celebrated wee Lovelyn’s one week old birthday. In some ways, it feels like she’s been a part of our lives forever – even during the pregnancy, it felt like I was already a mother to four (birthed) children – I thought about her so much and was always aware of her tiny existence. Now, her existence outside the womb is so much more tangible and awesome …

And just in perfect timing to celebrate, a sweet cupcake fairy {Yum Yum Desserts} surprised us by dropping off some goodies for the girls …

[Aren’t we so lucky!?]

So we had a little birthday party for Lovie.

Lovelyn didn’t mind sharing her cupcake …she was in her own dream world …

It really has been dream-like over the past week. I can’t imagine life any other way.

Here’s a sneak of what I’ve been working on with Lovelyn in the studio …

My lil’ elf.

…another sweet Sassy headband … isn’t it adorable? I’ve never had headbands for my other babies so I am just in love with these!

If you’d like a chance to win one of these darling headbands, today is the day. πŸ™‚ Sassy Sweet Pea is offering a prize to one lucky blog reader this week. All you have to do is check out Sassy Sweet Pea’s facebook page – click Like! – and then come back and make a comment under this post. πŸ™‚

Easy as pie.
One blog reader who comments will win a $25 gift certificate to use on their own choice of these adorable Sassy Sweet Pea hair accessories. She has some totally adorable hair accessories for the little girl in your life AND some fabulous hair accessories for adults, too! Check it out!!

Okay, off to snuggle with my little Love… xo …

October 26, 2010 - 3:05 pm

Samantha Fizzard love lvoe love the photos! and SSP!! πŸ˜€

October 23, 2010 - 8:20 pm

Monique She’s beautiful!

October 23, 2010 - 10:47 am

Mich Gillian the pics are just so cute. I love all of Sassy Sweet Pea’s creations!! They just make the pics really pop with color and added sweetness πŸ™‚ What beautiful words for Lacey and Lyla to say to you. All the L’s are such great Big Sis’s to precious Lovelyn!

October 22, 2010 - 4:28 pm

Mary Schwartz I absolutely love coming to your page and I really enjoyed the hair stuff. I am always looking for new creative ideas and I will be purchasing for sure! Thank you for sharing!

October 22, 2010 - 9:33 am

Tracy R Beautiful pics! So sweet.

October 22, 2010 - 12:42 am

Nancy Gillian, you are truly blessed!! πŸ™‚

October 21, 2010 - 11:34 pm

Tricia Getting the baby itch again seeing those beautiful pictures of your precious daughter(s)!I would love to dress up my sweet pea with some sassy accessories!

October 21, 2010 - 11:32 pm

Tricia Getting the baby itch again seeing those beautiful pictures of your precious daughter(s)! I would love to dress up my sweet pea with some sassy accessories!

October 21, 2010 - 8:33 pm

Janet She is so precious! I already “like” Sassy Sweet Pea- ready to go buy some next week but those headbands are adorable on her!!!! I just had a baby 4 months ago and my other kids always say “thanks for getting her!” Glad the other girls love her!

October 21, 2010 - 8:23 pm

Amy Wish i had those flowers and headbands when Nora was a babe. Might just have to get some for her now!

October 21, 2010 - 8:02 pm

Melissa Lovelyn is precious. Congratulations again Gillian!

October 21, 2010 - 7:42 pm

Leanne Congrats on your new little addition!! She is so beautiful. I have just placed my very first Sassy Sweet Pea order. I am very excited to get my two girls in matching headbands.

October 21, 2010 - 7:41 pm

Leanne Congrats on your new little addition. She is just beautiful. I have just placed a Sassy Sweet Pea order for my two little ones and I’m dying to see them in matching headbands!!

October 21, 2010 - 7:33 pm

Lindsay Morrison I am a new fan, and just love getting a sneak peek into your beautiful family. You are very blessed and it definately shows!!!

October 21, 2010 - 7:32 pm

Ellie H. Lovelyn is too sweet!

October 21, 2010 - 7:31 pm

Ellie H. awww. Lovelyn is too sweet! More pink to the fam!

October 21, 2010 - 7:31 pm

Lindsay Hi Gigi, I am a new fan, and just love getting a sneak peek into your beautiful life. You have a gorgeous family and can see you are very blessed……it shows!!!

October 21, 2010 - 7:31 pm

Jamie A You are a Super Mama!!!! She is a little DOLL and I love SSP Bows…

October 21, 2010 - 7:29 pm

Jill Congratulations on Baby Lovelyn. I am a mother of 4 as well as, isn’t it so wonderful. 4 to love. I have 2 girls and 2 boys. Your pictures are so lovely (bright and crisp)reminds me of when my girls were little. They send me down memory lane.
Thank you for sharing your world with all of us.

October 21, 2010 - 11:50 am

Jennifer Heemskerk What a precious little princess!;-) So darling! See I noticed you have to change your description at the top of you blog from 3 to 4 little bambinos!

October 20, 2010 - 11:58 pm

Tara Went over and became a fan. I never had headbands for my little girl either…poor thing is getting bombarded now at age 6 !!
I love them.
Your little Lovelyn is beyond sweetness. so glad this first week has been heavenly.

October 20, 2010 - 4:55 pm

Jen Beautiful!!!

October 20, 2010 - 12:26 pm

Connie She is such a little beauty, love her!!! Love the pics of all the girls together, melts my heart πŸ™‚ Hope everyday stays as wonderful as these, xoxxx

October 20, 2010 - 12:19 pm

Tami LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these pics of your wee one…and big sissys! She’s beautiful…love the headbands, and I am already a FAN of SSP.

October 20, 2010 - 11:46 am

Kim B. Gillian ~ She is SO BEAUTIFUL and you are definitely blessed to have four amazingly gorgeous girls. Good thing you like Pink. And Lacey looks like a natural with Lovelyn. I will be sending you an email this weekend, but wanted to give you some time to get home and settled. All our best wishes!

October 20, 2010 - 9:26 am

Darcey Your daughters are so beautiful…how blessed you are! And your newest is just adorable! My own daughter (going on four)keeps asking when we’ll get our baby…not sure I’m ready for that =)

October 20, 2010 - 9:17 am

Dana Little Miss Lovelyn is one beautiful sweet pea, all 4 of your girls are, you are truly blessed. Love reading your blog and the SSP products are the best!

October 20, 2010 - 9:14 am

Lori G Ooo the photos are just darling of sweet Lovelyn! I love the ones of all the sisters together…so precious!! You are a very blessed momma 2 have such 4 beautiful babes & a loving family home.
I always look forward 2 seeing the new photos you post & reading your blog…it really does seem like a fairy tale dreamβ™₯
BTW…I checked out the SassySweetPea site & pressed like for a chance to win….
πŸ™‚

October 20, 2010 - 9:08 am

Natalie Great pictures – see is so sweet!

October 20, 2010 - 8:41 am

Stacy You are such a great photographer! My two girls have the same tops your middle 2 are wearing :o) Your new edition is so precious! I already like Sassy Sweet Pea.

Reality Check.

I know by this post’s title you might think I’m going to post an “I’m exhausted … this is insane with four kids” blog post … but actually …. I’m not! Hah! Still riding on this pink cloud? Maybe, but I just thought it would share what reality has really, honestly been like this week.

To tell you the truth, I was a bit nervous to have four children. And while it’s still premature to post too much about being experienced in the world of four children (it’s not even been a week yet, I realize that, and Miss Love-bug sleeps 90% of the time!), I have to say it’s going rather smoothly. I honestly think the transition from two to three was much harder. This time around, Abby and I were prepared. We were prepared for the sleeplessness – because we never really left that stage. We were prepared for the craziness – because it was already crazy in this house. We were prepared for the increase in the laundry department – but really, what difference does one load make when you’re already doing two a day? We were prepared for how long it would take to get out the door as a family – seriously, we already knew that it takes us about 10 minutes in total just to do up car seat belts (but we still managed to get everyone ready for 9 a.m. church time this morning – and by we, I mean, me – hah!).

But what we weren’t prepared for … how lovely this new baby would be … how much we would adore her, how our hearts would burst with EVEN more joy and that we would love all our children *THAT* much more … how it would bring all our girls closer together – not further – in friendship and as a family unit.

It’s amazing. And I’m so grateful.

Lucia, the baby until now, is, however, feeling the effects of this week the most. She is exhausted, she is not sleeping well, she is crying lots and she is needing that extra bit of attention. She adores baby Lovelyn, though, and is not showing jealousy towards her new little sister – just showing the need to still be *the* two year old of the house.

In light of that fact, I just love this image … Lucia snuggled up with Lovelyn while I was putting the laundry away … makes my heart melt.

Lacey, being the big sister three times over now, is a pro at this …

A little bit of how mommy & daddy are feeling right now … πŸ˜‰ … thank God for coffee.

Since Lyla was only 18 months old when we brought home Lucia, this is Lyla’s first true experience at being a big sister to a newborn. She is LOVING it. She loves to hold Lovelyn and is always running to get me a cup every time Lucia decides to ‘throw up’. I guess she wants to catch the ‘spit-up’ in the cup. I gotta explain the concept of receiving blankets to her …

Again, a pro. πŸ˜‰

By the end of the week, I could see the girls were getting tired … so much joy, fun and excitement jam packed all in one week. We decided to chill and do an easy craft for our Saturday afternoon together. We let Lucia stay in her pjs all day – she was just so not wanting to get dressed and I thought it was one battle she could win for the week. Lyla, on the other hand, was being very creative in her festive head gear. Lacey was just all about the beading.

We *have* had a great network of support from my mother in law to my gramma to my mom … I am blessed in that area.

But overall, I’d say Lovelyn is definitely the perfect fit for our family – and she*has* made the world so much sweeter just in the five days she has been here …

More mushy gushy posts to follow, I’m sure. And some of you have asked how we came up with the name Lovelyn – I’ll be sure to tell that story shortly, as well! πŸ˜‰Β  Happy Sunday!